Try to stick to the safe limit of no more than three units of alcohol per day for men. Don't drink every day, and don't get drunk before sex.

Manage stress

Stress and overwork are culprits of many problems. ED treatments can't do much if you are constantly exhausted, don't get enough sleep etc – especially if these issues cause tension in your relationship.

Write down what causes your stress and think about ways you can tackle them. Good communication with your partner and taking time out to relax will also help. For starters, pick one thing you enjoy and make an effort to do it once a week.

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Sexual function is influenced by your overall wellbeing.

ED may be a sign that you are not giving enough attention to a healthy lifestyle. It can also be the first symptom of more serious conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease and prostate cancer.

For this reason, it's important you discuss your concerns with a GP who will give you a check up to rule out these problems.

Medicines for erectile dysfunction

There is a good chance of finding a treatment that works and allows you to enjoy a fulfilling sex life for years to come.

The treatments your GP can prescribe depend on your medical history, and will also take into account your personal preferences and your preferences as a couple.

Medicines taken by mouth

In the UK, current tablet treatments are a type of medicine called PDE-5 inhibitors. They work by stopping the breakdown of a chemical that relaxes the erectile tissue within the penis. This allows the penis to fill with blood and become erect.

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Because the chemical they act on is only produced when you are aroused, the tablets below only give an erection in response to sexual stimulation.

Clinical trials have found varying success rates of between 57 and 80 per cent with these medicines.

Medicines administered directly into the penis

These medicines contain alprostadil, which is the same as a naturally occurring hormone called prostaglandin E1. Alprostadil medicines increase blood flow into the penis to cause an erection.

The injections have been widely used by men since the 1980s and produce erections firm enough for sex in 80 to 90 per cent of men.

MUSE is a pellet that is inserted into the urethra. It is slightly less effective than the injections, producing an erection suitable for intercourse in around 65 per cent of men. More recent studies have reported lower response rates.

Vitaros cream was launched in 2014. It is administered to the tip of the penis from a special single dose applicator. Success rates reported with the cream are between 40 and 52 per cent, depending on the dose used.

Are these medicines suitable for everyone with ED?

No, and the main factor affecting your choice of treatment will be what other conditions co-exist with your ED. For example, the tablets must not be taken by men taking nitrate drugs for angina, and if you have severe heart disease it may not be safe for you to have sex.

What are the side effects of these treatments?

All medicines have side effects associated with their use, and listed below are the most common. People respond differently to medicines – the fact that a side effect is listed here doesn't mean you will experience it. For more details, refer to the information leaflet in the pack.

Headache and flushing, indigestion, nausea, dizziness and a runny or blocked nose. Less common problems include changes in blood pressure, abnormal skin reactions to sunlight, eg a rash, and abnormal vision such as a blue/green tinge to vision.

Penis pain affects around 20 per cent of users and is caused either by the injection or a reaction to the drug. The pain is usually mild and short-lived. Priapism – a prolonged erection lasting for more than four hours – affects about 1 in 250 men. Other effects include tissue hardening within the penis (fibrosis).

Mostly due to the insertion of the drug and applicator into the tip of the penis. This can cause penis pain, a burning sensation and minor bleeding. Other side effects include pain in the testicles, headache, dizziness and engorgement of varicose veins in the legs.

Burning or tingling sensation, pain, swelling, redness or numbness in the penis. The cream can make some men feel dizzy for up to two hours after using it. It can also irritate your partner's mucous membranes, so you should use a condom during sex, including anal and oral sex.

The materials in this web site are in no way intended to replace the professional medical care, advice, diagnosis or treatment of a doctor. The web site does not have answers to all problems. Answers to specific problems may not apply to everyone. If you notice medical symptoms or feel ill, you should consult your doctor - for further information see our Terms and conditions.